A Comprehensive Guide: Which Beer Does Not Contain Gluten?

November 13, 2025 •

4 min read

An estimated 1% of the global population is affected by celiac disease, an autoimmune condition where gluten ingestion damages the small intestine. For those with gluten sensitivity, finding which beer does not contain gluten is crucial for both health and enjoyment. Fortunately, the market for gluten-free brews has expanded dramatically, offering a diverse range of safe and flavorful choices.

Quick Summary

This guide details the two main types of gluten-free beers—naturally brewed and gluten-removed. It lists specific brands, explains the critical safety distinctions for individuals with celiac disease, and compares brewing methods to help consumers make informed choices.

Key Points

Naturally vs. Gluten-Removed: Naturally gluten-free beers are made with alternative grains (sorghum, rice, millet), while gluten-removed beers use traditional grains but treat them with an enzyme.
Celiac Safety: Naturally gluten-free beers are safe for celiacs; gluten-removed beers are not recommended due to unreliable testing and potential health risks from residual gluten fragments.
Labeling Matters: Look for beers made with alternative grains or brewed in dedicated gluten-free facilities. Always read labels carefully, as gluten-removed beers must also declare 'contains barley'.
Flavor Innovation: Modern brewing techniques with alternative grains allow for a wide range of delicious and complex flavor profiles in naturally gluten-free beers.
Beyond Beer: Excellent gluten-free alternatives include hard ciders, meads, wines, and distilled spirits.

Understanding Gluten-Free and Gluten-Removed Beers

When searching for a safe beer, it is essential to understand the two different categories available. True or 'naturally' gluten-free beers are brewed using ingredients that never contain gluten to begin with, ensuring the final product is completely free of the protein. Gluten-removed or gluten-reduced beers, on the other hand, are brewed using traditional gluten-containing grains, but an enzyme is added during fermentation to break down the gluten to below the 20 parts per million (ppm) legal threshold. This distinction is critical for individuals with celiac disease.

The Naturally Gluten-Free Brewing Process

Instead of barley or wheat, naturally gluten-free beers utilize alternative grains and sugar sources during fermentation. Some common options include:

Sorghum: This grain is a popular base for many gluten-free beers, providing a light, crisp profile that can be reminiscent of a standard lager. Brands like Redbridge have popularized sorghum-based brews.
Millet and Buckwheat: Often used in craft and specialty brews, these grains can add complex, nutty, and earthy flavors to the final product.
Rice: Frequently combined with other grains, rice can create a clean, light-bodied beer.
Corn: Another common brewing adjunct, corn can impart a subtle sweetness and is naturally gluten-free.

The Gluten-Removed Brewing Process

For gluten-removed beers, brewers use the same process as traditional brewing, starting with barley or wheat. The key step involves adding an enzyme, such as Brewers Clarex®, during fermentation. This enzyme breaks down the gluten proteins into smaller fragments. The resulting beer can be labeled 'gluten-free' if it tests below 20 ppm, but the label must also state 'contains barley' or 'contains wheat' to disclose the original ingredients. For individuals with celiac disease, consuming these beers is risky as some studies show they can still trigger an immune response. It is a critical health distinction that every consumer must be aware of before purchasing.

Popular Brands of Gluten-Free Beer

Here are some of the most well-known brands offering truly gluten-free and gluten-removed options:

Dedicated Gluten-Free Breweries (Safe for Celiacs)

Glutenberg: A Canadian craft brewery with a wide range of beers, from Blonde Ale to American Pale Ale, all brewed with alternative grains.
Ghostfish Brewing Company: A 100% gluten-free facility based in Seattle, known for its award-winning Grapefruit IPA and Watchstander Stout.
Holidaily Brewing Co.: A Colorado-based, 100% gluten-free brewery producing a variety of styles, including their popular Favorite Blonde Ale.
Ground Breaker Brewing: Based in Portland, Oregon, this 100% gluten-free brewery specializes in complex and flavorful brews like their Dark Ale.
Burning Brothers Brewing: Another 100% gluten-free facility offering a range of beers, including the Pyro American Pale Ale.

Widely Available Gluten-Removed Brands (Not for Celiacs)

Peroni Gluten Free: This beer uses the same recipe as its regular version but is treated with an enzyme to reduce gluten below 20 ppm.
Estrella Damm Daura: One of the most popular gluten-removed lagers on the market, it is brewed with barley and then treated to remove gluten.
Stone Delicious IPA: This popular IPA is brewed with traditional grains and enzymes, resulting in a bold beer with reduced gluten levels.

Comparison: Naturally Gluten-Free vs. Gluten-Removed Beer


Feature	Naturally Gluten-Free Beer	Gluten-Removed Beer
Starting Ingredients	Made from naturally gluten-free grains like sorghum, rice, millet, and buckwheat.	Made from traditional gluten-containing grains like barley and wheat.
Brewing Process	Exclusively uses gluten-free ingredients from start to finish.	Uses an enzyme (e.g., Brewers Clarex) during fermentation to break down gluten.
Safety for Celiacs	Considered completely safe as no gluten is present at any stage.	Not recommended for those with celiac disease due to risk of immune response from residual gluten fragments.
Flavor Profile	Can sometimes have a unique or different taste profile depending on the alternative grains used.	Tends to taste closer to traditional beer styles since it is brewed with conventional grains.
Labeling	Labeled simply as 'Gluten-Free'.	Labeled 'Gluten-Free (<20 ppm)' but must declare 'Contains Barley' or other gluten source.

Exploring Gluten-Free Alternatives to Beer

For those who prefer not to drink specially manufactured gluten-free beer, there are other fantastic options that are naturally gluten-free.

Hard Cider: Made from fermented apples, hard cider is naturally gluten-free and comes in a huge variety of flavors, from dry to sweet. Angry Orchard is one popular, readily available option.
Mead: An ancient fermented beverage made from honey, mead is also naturally gluten-free and offers a wide array of flavors.
Hard Seltzer: Made from fermented cane sugar or fruit, most hard seltzers are gluten-free, but it is always wise to double-check the label.
Wine and Spirits: Commercially produced wine is naturally gluten-free. Most distilled spirits are also safe, even if made from gluten-containing grains, because the distillation process removes gluten.

Important Consideration for Celiacs

For individuals with celiac disease, the choice between naturally gluten-free and gluten-removed beer is not just a matter of taste; it is a health and safety issue. The Celiac Disease Foundation explains that testing for gluten in fermented products is unreliable, making gluten-removed beers potentially unsafe for celiacs. The safest choice is always a brew from a dedicated gluten-free facility or a product specifically labeled and marketed as naturally gluten-free, using alternative grains. When in doubt, stick to naturally gluten-free alternatives like cider or wine.

Conclusion

Navigating the world of gluten-free beverages has become significantly easier, but understanding the difference between brewing methods is critical. If you have celiac disease or a serious gluten sensitivity, opting for a beer from a dedicated gluten-free facility or a brew made with alternative grains is the safest choice. While gluten-removed beers can taste remarkably like their traditional counterparts, they still pose a risk due to the potential presence of problematic gluten fragments. With a growing number of truly gluten-free breweries and delicious alternatives like hard cider and mead, drinkers with dietary restrictions have more high-quality options than ever before. Always read labels carefully and choose the option that is right for your health needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

No. There is a critical difference between 'naturally' gluten-free beers and 'gluten-removed' beers. True gluten-free beers are brewed from gluten-free grains, while gluten-removed beers start with barley and use an enzyme, which may still contain gluten fragments and are not safe for celiacs.

Naturally gluten-free beer is made from grains like sorghum, rice, or millet that contain no gluten. Gluten-removed beer is made with barley or wheat but is treated with an enzyme to reduce gluten content. For celiacs, the natural option is safest.

It is not recommended. The testing methods for fermented and hydrolyzed products are not completely reliable, and some individuals with celiac disease have shown an immune response to gluten-removed beer. It is safer to choose a naturally gluten-free product.

Popular brands include Glutenberg, Ghostfish Brewing Company, and Holidaily Brewing Co. These breweries use alternative grains and operate in 100% gluten-free facilities.

Most hard ciders, wines, and distilled spirits are naturally gluten-free. Always check labels for any added ingredients, but in general, they are a safe alternative.

The safest bet is to look for brands from dedicated gluten-free breweries or check labels for a certification logo. For beers brewed with gluten-containing grains, look for the 'contains barley' declaration, which indicates it is not naturally gluten-free.

No. While many countries, including the UK, use a 20 ppm threshold, some regions like Australia and the US require beer to be brewed exclusively from gluten-free grains to be labeled 'gluten-free'. Always verify local standards and check product labels.